A recent event for local swimming succeeded in raising everyone’s spirits.
The 2008 Swim to the Stars Fundraiser Gala was held at the home of Jim and Laurice Fraser last Saturday night.
Put on by the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA), the night saw festivities from 7:30pm until roughly midnight.
As Event Organizer Dr. Sook Yin states, the evening was an enjoyable one for all who attended.
‘We certainly had fun raising funds. The Frasers [parents of local Olympic swimmers Shaune and Brett Fraser] had a beautifully decked-out garden and having moonlight was fantastic. It felt like we didn’t have to raise a finger to create an evening of entertainment.’
Among the more notable events on the night was a live auction featuring sports memorabilia, karaoke courtesy of Vicki Wheaton and a raffle for various prizes on a large roulette-styled wheel.
The items on auction ranged from an iPhone and Appleton rum to a limited edition James Bond Omega watch plus a framed and signed photo of swim star Michael Phelps.
Many prizes were given out on the night from sunglasses and unique sporting collectibles to vouchers for the Ritz Carlton.
The final amount of donations received on the night was unavailable at press time. However, officials say at least CI$25,000 was raised on the night.
Dr. Yin felt the event was a success in large part because local companies stepped forward to volunteer their help.
‘We are grateful for the generosity of a number of restaurants on the island who donated all of our food from appetisers to dessert. We also thank Jacques Scott for sponsoring our wine and Cayman Distributors for sponsoring our champagne reception.
‘As a result of their efforts, all of the money collected on the night went straight into the CIASA funds to help implement our swim programmes.’
According to Dr. Yin, the money from the fundraiser will go towards the growth of local swimming through initiatives like building a 50 meter pool.
‘Swimming is a facility sport i.e. we need swimming pools to teach swim classes. At the moment the Lion’s Pool is the only public pool we have available.
‘We hope that the community will be very supportive of us and donate generously in the next phase of our fundraising efforts for the 50m pool.’
Dr. Yin also said that CIASA is keen to help out the local government in realizing the facility for the benefit of the community.
‘The Minister of Sports [Alden McLaughlin] shares our vision and is very supportive of building a 50m pool. The pool would be multifunctional as it will not only increase pool space to hold more classes but it will be a great facility to develop our potential CARIFTA or future Olympian swimmers for long course events.
‘This pool could also be utilised by the public and provide a good exercise programme which is non-weight bearing and can be enjoyed by both young and old. The health benefits that can be derived from this are numerous.’
In the end, Dr. Yin went on to say that efforts like the fundraiser are necessary to ensure the public can have the skills to make full use of their island.
‘Swimming is not just a sport, it’s a life skill that every child and adult should have on the island. CIASA is very committed in realising this vision.’
Everybody wanted to get in on karaoke Photos: Matthew Yates
Vicki Wheaton showed off her singing skills
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